KHULNA, Oct 6, 2024 (BSS) - Markets, shopping centres, malls and stores in the city are witnessing a huge rush of customers ahead of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the country's Hindu community.

Owners of the business establishments were a bit doubtful about sales compared to the last year ahead of puja due to the unexpected situation created after the fall of the fascist Sheikh Hasina government on August 5.

However, the apprehension is now over after the interim government led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus was formed.

The markets in the city are already in a festive look ahead of the five-day long Durga Puja celebration which will begin on October 9.

Fashion houses have brought in new collections focusing on puja, with many brands offering up to 50 percent discounts.

On Friday and Saturday, a huge rush of shoppers was seen at the city's New Market, Borobazar and KDA Avenue area ahead of Durga Puja.

Clothing outlets of different local brands including Aarong, Richman, Infinity, Anjan's, Zentle Park, Adlib were seen crowded with consumers.

The same picture was seen in cosmetic shops and shoe stores. Consumers were seen busy purchasing their chosen items at different brands of cosmetics and other brands of shoes there.

Alif Islam, owner of Aponjona in New Market, said the selling of Jamdani and Katan sarees is increasing during Durga Puja compared to other Hindu festivals.

"We are also selling three-pieces, lehengas and other popular clothes," he added.

Many could not go to neighboring Kolkata for shopping as they did not get their visas on time. Because of this reason, they are now shopping in the country as a result sales in the city's market are getting better.
 
This reporter found crowds of buyers in the city's Shibbari intersection, New Market, Dakbangla intersection, Picture Palace, Boro Bazar, Jalil Super Market, Railway Market, Nixon Market and Khulna Shopping Complex.

Traders also said that sarees and salwar-kameez are in high demand during puja. Buyers are more interested in katan, silk and designer sarees. Jamdani has also high demand.

Basob Kumar Nandi of the city's Lower Jashore Road area came with her wife Swapna Rani Nandi to Borobazar for shopping, Swapna said she bought saree dresses for all her family members.

Talking to BSS, Uzzal Saha, owner of Chandrani in Zalil Market, said the average sales of sarees are good.

Rajibul Islam, the owner of Rajib Cosmetics of KDA New Market, said the sales of cosmetics items continue throughout the year and still going on but demand increases ahead of any festivals including the puja.

The traditional shops of Boro Bazar, Nixon Market have become bustling with shoppers likewise every year centering Durga Puja.

Sharadiya Durga Puja will formally begin on October 9 with Maha Shasthi. On October 13 it will come to an end with the immersion of the idols on the day of Bijoya Dashami.